A RETIRED factory manager lost more than RM221,000 after falling prey to a sophisticated phone scam in which fraudsters posed as hospital staff and police officers, according to Pahang police.
The incident began on 23 May when the 59-year-old woman received a call from someone claiming to be from a private hospital. The caller alleged that she was involved in a false insurance claim, prompting a follow-up video call with an individual impersonating a police sergeant.
Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the scammer accused the victim of being linked to a bank account used for money laundering and the illegal purchase of firearms.
“She was threatened with an arrest warrant if she refused to cooperate and was instructed to prepare a bail sum amounting to RM378,500,” he said in a statement issued on Friday.
Believing the threats were real, the victim followed the caller’s instructions, including transferring her savings into her own account and surrendering her banking details under the guise of an ongoing investigation.
Between 1 and 9 August, she carried out five separate transactions as instructed by the fraudsters.
However, when she checked her account balance on 27 August, she discovered that most of her funds had vanished, with only RM109.78 remaining.
“She only realised she had been duped when the scammers demanded an additional payment of RM150,000. It was then that she lodged a police report at the Kuantan District Police Headquarters,” Yahaya added.
In response to the incident, police have issued a reminder to the public to be cautious of suspicious phone calls and to verify any claims with official agencies before making payments or disclosing personal financial information.
Yahaya also encouraged members of the public to use the Royal Malaysia Police’s online tool at [https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/) to verify bank account numbers linked to scams.
He urged the public to remain alert, especially as scam tactics continue to evolve and target vulnerable individuals. - September 26, 2025
